"Born in London, England, to Nigerian immigrant parentage, singer and songwriter Ola Onabulé represents yet another manifestation of DC JazzFest’s international language of jazz component.
Onabulé has built an enviable music career through a relentless schedule both in the recording studio and as a touring performer. He has always been interested in crossing cultural and musical boundaries. The emotion and virtuosity in his three-and-a-half octave baritone voice channels his poignant storytelling, which has given life to previous studio works exploring his Nigerian roots, his Western upbringing, family life, and musical influences ranging from jazz to soul, world, and pop.
An ever-present theme in all of his creative output, Onabulé’s views on social injustice became the focus of his latest release POINT LESS. Listed as one of Downbeat’s best albums of 2019.
In an independent career spanning more than 20 years, Ola has performed at many of the most respected international jazz festivals including Montreal, Vancouver, San Sebastian, Umbria, Istanbul as well as at concert halls and Jazz clubs worldwide, building and consolidating a reputation with audiences globally.
Performing original material with his quartet/quintet as well as with much larger ensembles of big bands and symphonic orchestras, such as the WDR Big Band of Cologne, the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, HR Big Band, Danish Radio Big Band, Copenhagen, and the Big Band Jazz Y Mexico.
Onabulé’s reach is global connecting with audiences worldwide through his soulful voice and his elegant appearance. Whether live on stage or on record, he gives a thoughtful interpretation of his experiences and the world around him, with music crafted with meticulous attention to detail in his arrangements and production.
This particular performance took place as part of DC JazzFest at The Yards in 2015, tune in to our YouTube or Facebook page Saturday at 7 PM to be serenaded by Onabulé as part of another fantastic edition of our #FromHomeSeries." -DCJazzFest
Upcoming Performances:
Saturday 6/6 - Ola Onabule
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